HK1188979B - A capsule and a system for, and a method of, preparing a beverage - Google Patents

Description

Capsule and system for preparing a beverage and method thereof

Technical Field

The invention relates to a capsule, a system and a method for preparing a beverage.

Background

Single serve beverage brewing systems may use a beverage preparation machine and a disposable capsule (also referred to as a cartridge) for forming a single serve of a beverage. Capsules for use with such systems are prepackaged with a beverage ingredient and sealed prior to use. In use, the capsule is pierced during or after insertion into the beverage preparation machine, thereby forming an inlet for letting an aqueous medium (such as water) into the capsule and letting the beverage out of the capsule. Since the capsules are punctured during use, they are not suitable for reuse. In addition, although the capsule may be made of a variety of different materials and in a variety of different ways, not all of these materials and ways result in manufacturing cost savings. Moreover, the capsule is only suitable for use with pre-packaged beverage ingredients.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a capsule for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the capsule being adapted for use in a beverage preparation machine comprising a receptacle for holding the capsule and having a fluid dispensing apparatus for supplying an aqueous medium to the receptacle; the capsule includes:

a first section and a second section which together form a beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule in which a beverage ingredient is contained;

the first section comprises a preformed inlet for the aqueous medium to enter the capsule;

the second segment comprising a pre-formed outlet for a beverage formed in use from a beverage ingredient and an aqueous medium;

wherein the capsule is compressible, the first section of the capsule being engaged by the inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of the beverage preparation machine, thereby causing the first section of the capsule to move towards the second section of the capsule without piercing the first or second section.

Advantageously, the compression of the capsule may serve to compress the beverage ingredient held in the beverage ingredient chamber, which may have the beneficial effect of enhancing the extraction of the beverage ingredient.

The use of pre-formed inlets and outlets for the capsules may enable a more consistent and predictable flow of the aqueous medium through the capsule than the outlets and outlets that are pierced during dispensing.

The first and second segments may be interconnected by a deformable segment.

The deformable section may be elastically deformable.

Advantageously, the deformable section may partially or fully resume its original shape upon removal of the capsule from the beverage preparation machine. This may make the capsule more suitable for reuse.

The first and second sections may be hinged to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second sections may be interconnected by a hinge. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second sections may be interconnected by a crumple zone. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second segments may be interconnected by a telescoping segment.

The capsule may include a cup and a lid; the cup includes a base and a peripheral sidewall extending from the base to a rim defining a cup opening opposite the base; the cup cover is connectable with the cup to close the cup opening to form a beverage ingredient chamber; wherein the peripheral sidewall of the cup includes a deformable section.

In this case, the cup may be integrally formed. The cup may be formed as a molded piece in a single piece. The deformable segments may be formed during the molding step or may be formed by an operation subsequent to the molding step, such as by stamping, cutting, scoring, heat treating, or bending.

In an alternative aspect, the first and second segments may be separate and may be slidably connected together. The sliding connection may be a simple interference fit between the first and second sections. Alternatively, a sealing means, such as a gasket or an O-ring, may be provided between the first and second sections. Alternatively, the first and or second sections may be provided with a resilient edge or face for engagement with the other of the first and second sections.

The capsule may further comprise one or more of an entrance filter within the capsule and an exit filter within the capsule. The filter may function to prevent the beverage ingredients from escaping through the pre-formed inlet and outlet of the capsule prior to use. During use, the exit filter may be used to filter out particles of the beverage ingredient from the beverage flow leaving the capsule. The inlet filter may be adjacent the base of the cup. The inlet filter may be bonded to the inner front face of the base of the cup. The outlet filter may be adjacent the lid. The outlet filter may be bonded to the inner front face of the cup lid.

Alternatively or additionally, the capsule may comprise a discrete filter bag containing the beverage ingredient, the filter bag being held within the beverage ingredient chamber.

Alternatively, the use of a discrete filter bag may obviate the need for inlet and outlet filters at the inlet and outlet of the capsule. The filter bag may be formed of a filter material such as filter paper. The filter bag may be provided separately from the remainder of the capsule and may be inserted into the beverage ingredient chamber by a user immediately prior to use. Such use may make the capsule more suitable for reuse.

Alternatively or additionally, the size of the aperture(s) of the inlet and outlet may be selected to be small enough to provide an effective filter for the beverage ingredient.

The beverage ingredient may be an extractable ingredient such as roasted and ground coffee or tea leaves. The beverage ingredient may be a soluble or partially soluble ingredient, such as chocolate, a dairy-based ingredient, such as milk, cream, milk fat, or milk powder. The beverage ingredients may be provided in powder, granular or liquid form. The beverage ingredients may include a mixture or combination of two or more ingredients.

The first and or second section of the capsule may be shaped to form a tight fit with parts of the receptacle of the beverage preparation machine. For example, the peripheral sidewall may be sized and shaped to form a tight, substantially fluid-tight seal with a portion of a receptacle of the beverage preparation machine. The capsule may be provided with an outer peripheral flange which may be caught by the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle. The flange may form a substantially fluid tight seal between the capsule and the beverage preparation machine. Advantageously, these modifications, singly or in combination, may help to prevent the flow of aqueous medium bypassing the capsule in use and to increase the amount of aqueous medium flowing through the beverage ingredient chamber from the inlet to the outlet.

The preformed inlet may comprise a single aperture. Alternatively, the inlet aperture may comprise an array of apertures of a plurality of apertures.

The preformed outlet may comprise an array of outlet apertures.

The second section may be substantially rigid.

The second section may be connected to the first section by a snap-fit configuration. The snap-fit configuration may be repeatably engaged and released. Advantageously, this may make the capsule more suitable for reuse. Alternatively, the second section may be fixedly attached to the first section by adhesive. For example, the second section may be ultrasonically welded or bonded to the first section.

The first and second sections may be formed from a plastics material, for example polypropylene. The material of the first and second sections may be puncture resistant or tear resistant, even when used in beverage preparation machines having metal inlet and/or outlet piercers, such as metal probes, knives or release plates.

The first and second segments may be formed of a gas permeation resistant material. A releasable cover may be applied to the outer faces of the first and second sections to form a gas barrier for the pre-formed inlet and pre-formed outlet prior to use. The releasable cover may be removed prior to inserting the capsule into the receptacle. Alternatively, the capsule may be formed of a material lacking enhanced barrier properties. Instead, one or more of the capsules may be provided within an outer package, such as a flexible package, which may provide a barrier to gas permeation.

The first and second segments may be thicker than the deformable segment. The intermediate wall section may have a thickness of 0.3 mm. The peripheral side wall of the cup, excluding the intermediate wall section, may have a thickness of 0.5 mm. The cup lid may have a thickness of 0.5 mm. The base of the cup may have a thickness of 1.0 to 1.5 mm.

The inlet, outlet filters and filter bags, when present, may be formed of a high wet strength material, such as a non-woven fibrous material of polyester. Other materials that may be used include water-impermeable cellulosic materials, such as cellulosic materials including woven paper fibers. The woven paper fibres may be mixed with fibres of polypropylene/polyvinyl chloride and/or polyethylene.

The present disclosure also provides a system for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the system comprising:

i) a beverage preparation machine; and

ii) encapsulation;

wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a receptacle for holding an optional pierceable capsule; a fluid dispensing device for supplying an aqueous medium to the receptacle; and an inlet piercer for piercing an inlet in the selectively pierceable capsule;

wherein the capsule comprises:

a first section and a second section which together form a beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule in which a beverage ingredient is contained;

the first section comprises a preformed inlet for the aqueous medium to enter the capsule;

the second segment comprising a pre-formed outlet for a beverage formed in use from a beverage ingredient and an aqueous medium;

wherein the capsule is compressible, the first section of the capsule being engaged by the inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of the beverage preparation machine, thereby causing the first section of the capsule to move towards the second section of the capsule without piercing the first or second section.

Advantageously, although the beverage preparation machine may originally be designed to receive an alternative capsule which in use needs to be punctured or torn, the presently disclosed capsule provides different capsules which may be used in beverage preparation machines of this type. The present capsule may have the advantages described above, in particular the capsule may be reusable and may either utilize beverage ingredients, either prepackaged in the capsule or provided in a discrete filter bag.

In addition, the compression of the capsule by means of the inlet piercer may advantageously produce a compaction of the beverage ingredient, as mentioned above, and may also improve the snap-retention of the capsule inside the receptacle and allow a better seal between the second segment and the receptacle, by overcoming the compressive force exerted by the receptacle on the capsule between the end of the inlet piercer and the abutment point of the second segment.

The capsule of the system may be the capsule described previously.

The present disclosure also provides a method of preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the method comprising the steps of:

i) inserting the capsule described above into a receptacle of a beverage preparation machine;

ii) jamming the capsule within the receptacle at least in part by engaging the first section of the capsule with an inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine without the inlet piercer piercing the capsule;

iii) a compressed capsule;

iv) supplying the aqueous medium from the fluid dispensing apparatus of the beverage preparation machine to the receptacle so as to pass the aqueous medium through the capsule to form the beverage.

The capsule may be compressed between the inlet piercer and the outlet piercer (e.g. a probe or a release surface of an outlet of a receptacle of a beverage preparation machine) without piercing or tearing the capsule by the outlet piercer. For example, the release surface of the beverage preparation machine may be designed to puncture or tear the surface of the selectable capsule. However, the capsule of the present disclosure does not require puncturing or tearing in order to form the exit opening.

Compression of the capsule may be counteracted by deformation of the peripheral side wall of the capsule.

In the above aspect, compression of the capsule may be used to reduce the volume of the beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule.

Drawings

Some aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule of a first aspect of the present disclosure, with the beverage ingredients omitted for clarity;

figure 2 is a perspective view of the capsule of figure 1 in assembled form;

fig. 3 is a bottom view of the capsule of fig. 2;

fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of fig. 2, with the beverage ingredients omitted for clarity;

fig. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of the capsule of fig. 2, with the beverage ingredients omitted for clarity;

fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of fig. 2, wherein loose beverage ingredient is contained in the beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule;

fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the capsule of fig. 2, wherein the beverage ingredient is contained within a filter bag contained within the beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule;

fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the capsule of fig. 2 in a beverage preparation machine (the beverage ingredients are omitted for clarity);

fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule according to a second aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule according to a third aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, with the beverage ingredient omitted for clarity;

fig. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the capsule of fig. 12; while

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a capsule according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

A first aspect of the capsule is shown in figures 1 to 8. The capsule 1 is formed by a cup 10, an inlet filter 30, an outlet filter 31 and a cup cover 40. The capsule 1 contains a beverage ingredient 32 as shown in fig. 6 and 7.

The cup 10, which is generally frustoconical in shape, includes a circular base 12 and a peripheral sidewall 13, the peripheral sidewall 13 extending away from the base 10 to a circular rim 21, the circular rim 21 defining a cup opening 20.

The base 12 comprises a substantially flat outer front face 26 and has a centrally arranged inlet in the form of an inlet aperture 23, which inlet aperture 23 extends through the base 12 to provide a route for water to enter the capsule 1. The base 12 may have a thickness of 1.0 to 1.5 mm. The inlet aperture 23 is pre-formed in the base 12 when the capsule 1 is manufactured. The inlet aperture may have a diameter of 4 mm. Alternatively, the inlet may be formed by a plurality of apertures arranged in the outer front face 26 of the base 12.

The peripheral sidewall 13 includes a proximal section 14 closest to the base 12 and a distal section 15 furthest from the base 12. The proximal section 14 extends from the base 12. The proximal section 14 and the distal section 15 are interconnected by an intermediate wall section 19.

The thickness of the proximal section 14 and the distal section 15 may be 0.5 mm.

The distal section 15 is provided with an inwardly facing annular rib 22 at or near the circular rim 21, the rib 22 serving to connect the cup 10 with the cup cover 40, as will be described below.

The deformable segments 16 are formed as telescoped portions in the side walls 13. The telescopable portion comprises two bends in the shape of the side wall 13, as best shown in fig. 4. A first, outer bend 17 is formed towards the proximal end of the distal section 15. A second, inner bend 18 is formed toward the distal end of the proximal section 14. The intermediate wall section 19 extends between the outer bend 17 and the inner bend 18. Thus, while the proximal and distal sections 14, 15 of the side wall 13 diverge as they extend away from the base 12, the intermediate wall section 19 converges as it extends away from the base 12.

The thickness of the intermediate wall section 19 may be 0.3 mm.

The cup 10 (not including any separating filter) is formed integrally with the base 12, the proximal section 14, the distal section 15 and the deformable section 16, forming a single element. The cup 10 may be manufactured as a molded piece.

The inlet filter 30 is bonded to the interior front face of the base 12 so as to extend across the interior end of the inlet aperture 23.

Inlet filter 30 may be formed from a non-woven fibrous material of polyester.

The cap 40 includes a generally disc-shaped body 41, the body 41 having an inwardly directed brim 45, the brim 45 extending generally perpendicularly from an interior front face 46. The brim 45 is provided with a circumferential channel 47 on the outermost side, the circumferential channel 47 cooperating with the rib 22 of the cup 10 to form a snap-fit connection when assembled to retain the cup cover 40 to the cup 10.

A flange 42 is provided at the periphery of the body 41.

The outer front face 49 of the cap 40 is provided with a plurality of recesses 48, the recesses 48 being separated from one another by the stiffening ribs 44. The cup cover 40 comprises an outlet for the beverage exiting the capsule 1 in the form of a plurality of outlet apertures 43, the plurality of outlet apertures 43 being arranged in the recess 48.

The outlet aperture 43 is pre-formed in the cup cover 40 at the time of manufacture of the capsule 1. Each outlet aperture may have a diameter of 0.4 mm.

The outlet filter 31 is bonded to the inner front face 46 of the cap 40 so as to extend across the outlet aperture 43.

The outlet filter 31 may be formed of a non-woven fibrous material of polyester.

In an alternative arrangement, the recess 48 and the strengthening rib 44 may be provided on the inner face 46 of the cup cover 40 such that the outer face 49 is generally flat.

The cap 40 (excluding any separating filter) is formed as a unitary body. The cap 40 may be manufactured as a molded piece.

The cup 10 and the cap 40 may be formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene.

To assemble the capsule, the cup 10 and the cap 40 are first manufactured separately. The beverage ingredient 32 is then inserted into the cup 10 (either in loose form or within a filter bag 33 as shown in fig. 7). The beverage ingredient 32 may be compacted after insertion by tamping the beverage ingredient (or filter bag 33) within the cup 10. The cap 40 is then attached to the cup 10 by means of the snap-fit cooperation of the ribs 22 and the channels 47 to close the beverage ingredient chamber 24, the beverage ingredient chamber 24 being defined by the cup 10 and the cap 40.

The snap-fit connection between the cup 10 and the cup cover 40 may be designed to be connectable and disconnectable multiple times to allow reuse of the capsule 1 with respect to other batches of beverage ingredients.

Alternatively, or in addition to using a snap-fit connection between the cup 10 and the cup cover 40, ultrasonic welding may be used to fixedly join the two elements, wherein the capsule 1 is intended to be a single-use disposable item.

The height of the capsule 1 is approximately 25mm and the outer diameter of the capsule 1 (across the outer front face 49) is approximately 37 mm.

With respect to the assembled capsule 1, a first section 55 is defined, which first section 55 comprises the base 12 and the proximal section 14 of the lateral wall 13. A second section 56 is defined, the second section 56 including the distal section 15 of the sidewall 13 and the cap 40. The first segment 55 and the second segment 56 are interconnected by the deformable segment 16.

One or more capsules 1 may be packaged in a package to provide an oxygen barrier to protect and preserve the beverage ingredients 32 prior to use.

In use, the capsule 1 is placed in an open receptacle housing 62 of a suitable single serve beverage preparation machine with the outer front face 49 of the cup cover 40 abutting the outlet panel 61 of the beverage preparation machine.

The receptacle shell 62 is then closed in the usual manner, the receptacle shell 62 typically using a lever mechanism to move the inlet piercer 60 inwardly into, or further into, the receptacle chamber 65. When such a mechanism is used with an alternative capsule designed to be pierced in use, this movement of the inlet piercer causes the inlet piercer to pierce the inlet in the capsule seat. However, as schematically illustrated in figure 8, with the capsule 1 of the present disclosure, such movement of the inlet perforator 60 causes engagement of the inlet perforator 60 against the seat 12 of the capsule, and compression of the capsule 1, without piercing or tearing the seat 12. The capsule 1 is compressed between the inlet piercer 60 and the exit panel 61. The compressive force generated by the inlet piercer 60 acts to press the exit panel 61 with the outer front face 49 to form an effective seal between the capsule 1 and the receptacle, while substantially preventing bypass flow of water around the outside of the capsule 1. The lower edge 68 of the receptacle housing 62 may also engage the upper face of the peripheral flange 42 to further compress the outlet panel 61 with the cup cover 40.

The compression of capsule 1 causes first section 55 to move towards second section 56. For a capsule having a height of approximately 25mm, the amount of movement may be between 0.3 and 1.0 mm. In one example, the amount of movement is approximately 0.75 mm.

The exit panel 61 may comprise one or more release elements 66, the one or more release elements 66 being adapted to tear or puncture the lid of the alternative capsule. The passages between the release elements 66 lead to outlet discharge orifices 67, which outlet discharge orifices 67 are fluidly connected to the dispensing point downstream. However, the lid 40 of the present capsule 1 is sufficiently strong not to be torn or punctured when compressed. The cap 40 may be designed so that the outer face 49 does not contact the release element 66 when initially inserted into the receptacle chamber 65.

To dispense the beverage, an aqueous medium (which is typically hot water) is injected into the receptacle chamber 65 through the inlet piercer 60. The water may typically be at a pressure of up to 7 to 12 bar. The water then enters the capsule 1 through the inlet aperture 23 and the inlet filter 31, where it contacts the beverage ingredient 32. The beverage is then formed by, for example, extraction of the beverage ingredients 32. The beverage then passes through the exit filter 31, where any unwanted particles are retained, out of the capsule 1 through the exit aperture 43 into the recess 48. The beverage then flows from the recess through the channels formed between the release elements 66 and to the outlet drain holes 67.

After dispensing, the capsule 1 may be ejected from the receptacle housing 62, or manually removed. The capsule 1 may then be reused or disposed of as appropriate.

A second aspect of the capsule is shown in figure 9. The capsule 1 is similar to the capsule of the first aspect and like elements have been indicated with like reference numerals. In addition, only the differences compared to the capsule of the first aspect will be discussed. The cup 10 of the second aspect is cylindrical in shape rather than frusto-conical. In addition, the inlet aperture 23 is provided in the form of a plurality of inlet apertures arranged over a substantial portion of the base 12. Assembly and use of the capsule of the second aspect may be as described above in relation to the first aspect.

A third aspect of the capsule is shown in figure 10. The capsule 1 is similar to the capsule of the first aspect and like elements have been indicated with like reference numerals. In addition, only the differences compared to the capsule of the first aspect will be discussed. The cup 10 and cap 40 of the third aspect are inverted compared to the first aspect. Thus, the cup 10 is provided with an inlet aperture 23 in the form of a plurality of apertures, and the base 12 is provided with an outlet aperture 43. When inserted in the beverage preparation machine, the cup cover 40 is positioned uppermost so that water flows in a direction from the cup cover 40 to the base 12. As with the first aspect of the capsule 1, the side wall 13 comprises a deformable section 16, the deformable section 16 separating a first section 55 (in this aspect, proximal to the cap 40) from a second section 56 (in this aspect, distal to the cap 40).

A fourth aspect of the capsule is shown in fig. 11. The capsule 1 is similar to the capsule of the first aspect and like elements have been indicated with like reference numerals. The capsule 1 comprises two discrete elements. The first element comprises a cup 10 (the cup 10 having a base 12) and a proximal section 14 of a peripheral sidewall 13. The second member includes the distal section 15 of the sidewall 13 and the cap 40. Each of the first and second elements may be formed as a unitary component. Thus both the first element and the second element may have a cup-like form. The inlet aperture 23 is formed in the base 12 and the outlet aperture 43 is formed in the cap 40, as in the first aspect. The inlet and outlet filters may be provided as described above (or as discrete filter bags).

With the proximal section 14 of the sidewall 13 sliding within the distal section 15, the first and second elements are assembled together as an interference fit. Additional sealing elements, such as polymer gaskets or O-rings, may be provided to enhance the seal therebetween. In this regard, the deformable section 16 includes an overlapping region of interference fit between the cup 10 and the cup cover 40.

In use, when inserted into the beverage preparation machine, the first section 55 is movable towards the second section 56 to compress the capsule 1 by the sliding fit of the cup 10 within the cup lid 40.

Of course, the cap 40 may be formed to fit within the cup 10 as an interference fit.

A fifth aspect of the capsule is shown in fig. 12 and 13. The capsule 1 is similar to the capsule of the first aspect and like elements have been indicated with like reference numerals. In this respect, capsule 1 differs in that deformable section 16 ' comprises lower, intermediate and upper elements 17 ', 18 ' and 19 ', these lower, intermediate and upper elements 17 ', 18 ' and 19 ' being substantially perpendicular to the arrangement of the equivalent elements of deformable section 16 of fig. 1. In this regard, the elements 17 'to 19' are oriented generally in the transverse direction.

A sixth aspect of the capsule is shown in fig. 14. The capsule 1 is similar to the capsule of the fourth aspect and like elements have been indicated with like reference numerals. In this respect, capsule 1 differs in that the first and second elements are assembled together as an interference fit, with proximal section 14 of lateral wall 13 sliding on the outer front face of distal section 15. As with the fourth aspect, additional sealing elements, such as polymer gaskets or O-rings, may be provided to enhance the seal therebetween. In this regard, the deformable section 16 includes an overlapping region of interference fit between the cup 10 and the cup cover 40.

Claims (16)

1. A capsule for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the capsule being adapted for use in a beverage preparation machine comprising a receptacle for holding the capsule and having a fluid dispensing apparatus for supplying an aqueous medium to the receptacle; the capsule comprises:

a first section and a second section which together form a beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule in which a beverage ingredient is contained;

the first section comprising a preformed inlet for the aqueous medium to enter the capsule;

the second segment comprising a pre-formed outlet for a beverage formed in use from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium;

wherein the capsule is compressible, a first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is inserted into an receptacle of the beverage preparation machine, thereby causing the first section of the capsule to move towards a second section of the capsule without piercing the first or second section.

2. A capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first and second segments are interconnected by a deformable segment.

3. Capsule according to claim 2, wherein the deformable section is elastically deformable.

4. Capsule according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second segments are hinged to each other.

5. A capsule according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second segments are interconnected by a hinge.

6. Capsule according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second segments are interconnected by a crumple zone.

7. A capsule according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first and second segments are interconnected by a stretchable segment.

8. A capsule according to claim 2 comprising a cup and a lid;

the cup includes a base and a peripheral sidewall extending from the base to a rim defining a cup opening opposite the base;

the lid is connectable to the cup to close the cup opening to form the beverage ingredient chamber;

wherein the peripheral sidewall of the cup includes a deformable section.

9. Capsule according to claim 8, wherein the cup is integrally formed.

10. A capsule according to claim 1, wherein the first and second segments are separate and slidably connected together.

11. A capsule according to claim 1, further comprising one or both of an entrance filter within the capsule and an exit filter within the capsule.

12. Capsule according to claim 1, further comprising a discrete filter bag containing a beverage ingredient, the filter bag being held within the beverage ingredient chamber.

13. A system for preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the system comprising:

i) a beverage preparation machine; and

ii) encapsulation;

wherein the beverage preparation machine comprises:

a receptacle for holding a pierceable capsule; a fluid dispensing device for supplying an aqueous medium to the receptacle; and an inlet piercer for piercing an inlet in the pierceable capsule;

wherein the capsule comprises:

a first section and a second section which together form a beverage ingredient chamber of the capsule in which a beverage ingredient is contained;

the first section comprising a preformed inlet for the aqueous medium to enter the capsule;

the second segment comprising a pre-formed outlet for a beverage formed in use from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium;

wherein the capsule is compressible, a first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine when the capsule is inserted into an receptacle of the beverage preparation machine, thereby causing the first section of the capsule to move towards a second section of the capsule without piercing the first or second section.

14. A method of preparing a beverage from a beverage ingredient, the method comprising the steps of:

i) inserting a capsule according to any of claims 1 to 12 into a receptacle of a beverage preparation machine;

ii) jamming the capsule within the receptacle at least in part by engaging the first section of the capsule with an inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine without the inlet piercer piercing the capsule;

iii) compressing the capsule;

iv) supplying aqueous medium from the fluid dispensing apparatus of the beverage preparation machine to a receptacle to thereby pass aqueous medium through the capsule to form a beverage.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the capsule is compressed between the inlet piercer and a release surface of an outlet of a receptacle of the beverage preparation machine without the release surface piercing or tearing the capsule.

16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein compression of the capsule is counteracted by deformation of a peripheral side wall of the capsule.